Partnership to bring new behavioral health crisis centers to Guilford County

Publication Date:

Sandhills Center is working with the Guilford County Board of Commissioners and Cone Health to bring additional health services to Guilford County, specifically an enhanced level of integrated health services for people in crisis that addresses both mental and physical health. The partnership is receiving additional support from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

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The service expansion will include construction of two facilities in a single location.

One facility will feature a 16-bed Adult Facility-Based Crisis center, a 23-hour observation unit and outpatient services for adults, adolescents and children. The 23-hour observation unit will offer time for individuals in crisis to have their care needs thoroughly assessed. If an individual is unable to return home after that time, they may be transition to the Facility-Based Crisis center, transferred to higher level of care, or connected with a community provider to receive continued services.

The second facility will be a 16-bed Child/Adolescent Facility-Based Crisis center, a non-medical facility that will serve as an alternative to hospitalization for youth experiencing behavioral health crises.

The expanded services will provide comprehensive mental health services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Facility-Based Crisis centers benefit people with urgent mental health needs. Unlike most behavioral health crisis centers, the new Guilford County facility also will provide physical health services, allowing people in crisis to avoid visits to local hospital emergency rooms to address medical needs. Guilford County, Cone Health and Sandhills Center will seek input from behavioral health stakeholders in the community as plans are finalized.

“People experiencing mental health crises will get prompt, comprehensive care,” explains Debbie Cunningham, president of Cone Health Women’s Hospital and Cone Health Behavioral Health Services. “This will have a huge impact on quality of life for people with mental illness in our community.”

The partners seek a building site of approximately five acres that is accessible to all utilities, is in close proximity to a hospital, and is served by public transportation. The design will be unique and customized to provide a comprehensive service array in an efficient, professional environment that is respectful of each individual’s dignity.

Guilford County will incur the design and construction costs of the planned Adult Facility-Based Crisis center, which is expected to be 35,000 to 40,000 square feet in size. The cost of the project is estimated to be between $15 million and $20 million, with the county seeking additional financial assistance from the State of North Carolina and other potential grantees and donors. Guilford County has partnered with Cone Health to deliver services.

Sandhills Center, the Local Management Entity-Managed Care Organization serving Guilford and eight other central North Carolina counties, will cover the estimated $8 million design and construction costs for the Child/Adolescent Facility-Based Crisis center, which is expected to be between 12,000 and 15,000 square feet in size. Sandhills Center will select a provider of services at a later date.

Sandhills Center’s Board of Directors has reserved funding to construct the facility. Funding comes from savings from managing Medicaid services under the 1915 (b)/(c) waiver. One of the benefits of Sandhills Center becoming a waiver site for managing services was that savings could be reinvested back into the local communities.

“This partnership and planned facility exemplifies that reinvestment in a visible way,” says Sandhills Center CEO Victoria Whitt., CEO for Sandhills Center. “We are excited about the work that has gone into planning these facilities and look forward to continuing the partnership to bring them to reality.”

Guilford County Commissioner At-Large Kay Cashion, who also serves as the vice chair of the Sandhills Center Board of Directors, states that Guilford County historically has been very proactive in providing high-quality mental health services.

“This collaborative effort will improve access to care in the areas of mental health, substance use and intellectual/developmental disabilities,” Cashion says. “It also will address physical health care needs for those in crisis. We are pleased to move forward with this innovative service for our citizens.”

The Guilford County Board of Commissioners will vote on the proposed behavioral health center in January 2019.

QPR stands for Question, Persuade and Refer – three steps that participants can learn to help save lives from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade and refer someone to seek help. QPR is listed on the National Registry of Evidence-Based Practices and Programs. More than 18,000 people have been trained and certified as QPR Gatekeeper Instructors in the United States and abroad.

As part of the train-the-trainer instruction, participants have agreed to:

Teach a minimum of three 2-hour QPR Gatekeeper training sessions annually in partnership with Sandhills Center.

The one-day QPR Certified Gatekeeper Instructor course was held in the Foundation Conference Center of Randolph Community College in Asheboro, N.C.

Sandhills Center currently offers a segment of QPR within its Crisis Intervention Team training for law enforcement and other first responders.

The QPR train-the-trainer program was an important addition to the community and provider education repertoire that already is available within the Sandhills Center region. Last year, for example, Sandhills Center collaborated with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and the University of North Carolina School of Social Work to sponsor a 40-hour Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) train-the-trainer program. MHFA in the Sandhills Center region has produced 12 new instructors who have facilitated training. As a result, about 600 individuals from all nine Sandhills Center counties have earned MHFA certification since January 2017.

Those who have earned certification have included staff from the Corrections Division (as part of a larger statewide initiative), local governments, Departments of Social Services, health care facilities, universities, network providers and nonprofit agencies.

Sandhills Center will continue to build on the successes of the MHFA and QPR Gatekeeper programs. Our commitment to this effort demonstrates our strong desire to invest in public outreach and educational activities that strengthen our communities.

Sandhills Center is requesting proposals from for-profit and nonprofit providers for IPS Supported Employment and Long-Term Vocational Support Services for Medicaid clients whose county of Medicaid, as designated by the Department of Social Services, is from one of the following counties within the Sandhills Center catchment area: Anson, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore and Richmond. The provider does not need to be physically located within the named counties, but must be able to readily provide the requested service in one or more of those areas. Applicants must be a fidelity provider with a minimum rating of fair fidelity in order to be considered.

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If you are interested in receiving a copy of this RFP, please complete the posted form (below) and email to caroleh@sandhillscenter.org, or fax to the attention of Carle Hensley at (FAX) 910-673-7015. Please submit your request no later than Nov. 15, 2018. Only those parties submitting a written request will receive a copy of the RFP document and application. For questions about this RFP, you are invited to attend the following Q&A session:

Sandhills Center announces Medicaid service rate increases

Publication Date: 06/28/2018

Sandhills Center announced today that it will increase reimbursement rates by 3 percent to providers of community-based Intermediate Care Facilities, Outpatient Services including Evaluation and Management Coding, and all Innovations services.

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The new reimbursement rates will begin with services offered on and following July 1, 2018.

Sandhills Center is a Local Management Entity (LME) and Medicaid-funded Managed Care Organization (MCO) that acts as an agent of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. As an LME-MCO, Sandhills Center provides access to publicly-funded mental health, intellectual/developmental disabilities and substance abuse services for the residents of Anson, Guilford, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph and Richmond counties.

“Sandhills Center values the high-quality services offered by our provider network,” said Victoria Whitt, Chief Executive Officer for Sandhills Center. “We recognize the importance of reinvesting savings back into our local communities so that the provider network can continue to offer appropriate services to our members.”

Community-Based Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) are a specialized residential option that provide 24/7 care and treatment over an extended period for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The service offers the wrap-around support necessary for individuals to live in their community and promotes the attainment of the highest level of independent living while also offering care for physical and medical needs. ICF services are both comprehensive and individualized to meet the needs of individuals served.

Community Outpatient Services are available to provide individuals with thorough assessments and high-quality treatment by licensed practitioners. Treatment may include medication management, individual and group therapy, behavioral health counseling, family therapy and psychological testing.

Evaluation and Management Coding allows psychiatrists, nonpsychiatric physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners the ability to effectively plan and monitor integrated treatment around clinical history, examination, and medical decision-making. It allows individuals to receive treatment based on their history with an assessment and clinical care plan based on their needs. It allows the provider to be reimbursed for time spent counseling and coordinating care for the member.

The Medicaid-funded NC Innovations Waiver is a resource for funding services and supports for people who are at risk for institutional care in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. The waiver helps children and adults to live independently within their communities. It promotes choice, control and community integration.

Sandhills Center seeks stakeholder feedback

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Sandhills Center is asking for assistance in completing the annual Community Needs Assessment Stakeholders’ Surveys.

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There are two surveys — one for consumers, and one for providers and other stakeholders. Those who take a survey will have an opportunity to tell Sandhills Center what gaps in services may exist so that strategies can be developed to address them. Surveys can be taken online using personal computers, tablet devices or smartphones. Those who would like a paper survey may obtain one by calling Sandhills Center at 1-800-256-2452. Typically, the surveys take five minutes or less to complete. All respondents will remain anonymous.

One survey is for consumers, or individuals diagnosed with/treated for mental health challenges, substance use disorders, or intellectual/developmental disabilities, and/or their family members.

The second survey is for other stakeholders including healthcare workers, social service personnel, educators, community officials and the general public.

Both surveys can be accessed through Sandhills Center’s website by clicking here.

Sandhills Center is committed to providing evidence-based, quality outcomes for individuals and families within the central North Carolina counties of Anson, Guilford, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph and Richmond. Thank you for your participation and willingness to assist with identifying gaps that may exist.

Sandhills Center receives high marks from network providers

Publication Date: 05/02/2018

The results of a recently-commissioned survey by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) shows that Sandhills Center continues to maintain a strong relationship with providers while successfully conducting oversight and management of the behavioral health services in our local communities.

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The survey, which measured provider satisfaction among each Local Management Entity-Managed Care Organization (LME-MCO), was administered by an independent review organization on behalf of DHHS. Sandhills Center is very pleased with the results we achieved. The following is a summary of highlights:

Sandhills Center scored as the highest LME-MCO on 13 of 23 questions, the most of any of our peers.

Our score was 91.8 percent for the question that rates overall LME-MCO satisfaction This was the highest score within our peer organizations, and is a score statistically and significantly higher than the overall average score for 2017. Other areas were Sandhills Center score the highest were:

Accessibility for information, referrals and scheduling of appointments.

Response time for provider needs.

Responsiveness to local community stakeholders

Accurate, timely processing of claims

Informative, helpful training for information technology and provider network issues, and keeping providers updated, as well as answering questions accurately.

Providing a useful website with the tools and materials necessary for successful operation

Sandhills Center had 13 results that were statistically higher than the 2017 NC Overall result, and had no result that was statistically lower than the 2017 NC Overall result.

We recognize the importance of periodically gauging provider satisfaction. Engaging providers allows us to gain feedback about key elements that ultimately affect outcomes for our members. Providers’ opinions also are important because they offer indicators of how we can identify and prioritize opportunities for improvement.

We are pleased to see that the data we received from the DHHS survey reaffirms Sandhills Center’s commitment to helping give providers the tools they need to offer quality, evidence-based and appropriate solutions for our members.

Sandhills Center releases new Integrated Care News publication

Publication Date:

Sandhills Center has published the latest edition of Integrated Care News.

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The newsletter focuses on Alcoholism and the Digestive System. Read it here, along with previous editions of Integrated Care News.

Sandhills Center announces service rate increases

Publication Date: 06/28/2017

Sandhills Center has announced that it will increase reimbursement rates to providers of community-based Intermediate Care Facilities and selected Innovations Services.

This announcement continues Sandhills Center’s commitment to reinvesting 1915 (b)/(c) Medicaid Waiver savings into community-based services. These new rates begin with services offered on and following July 1.

Community-Based Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) — These are residential options that provide care 24 hours a day, seven days per week, and treatment over an extended period of time for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The service offers support for individuals to live in their communities, promotes attainment of the highest level of independent living, and provides care for physical and medical needs. Reimbursement rates have increased by 6 percent. ICF services provided through state-operated facilities have an alternative reimbursement arrangement and are therefore not subject to the announced increase.

Innovations Services — These services are available to participants of the North Carolina Innovations Waiver, a funding resource offering supports and services to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities who are at risk for institutional care in an Intermediate Care Facility. For individuals who have received an Innovations funding slot through this Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver – an array of community-based services and supports that promote choice, control and community integration — are available as an alternative to institutional care. These services include supports designed to meet individuals’ physical and/or medical needs. The following Innovations services will be increased by the amounts indicated for all dates of service on and after July 1:

Procedure Code

Modifier

Service Description

Billing Unit

July 1, 2017 Rate

Percentage Increase

T2013

TF

Community Living and Support – Individual

15 minutes

$5.18

10%

T2041

Community Guide

Monthly

$150.00

14%

Sandhills Center is dedicated to working with community partners within the region to improve access and availability of high-quality behavioral health services. We will continue to explore opportunities to make adjustments to services, reimbursement rates and service-delivery models to more effectively meet individuals’ identified needs.

Request for Proposals for Treatment Expediter Position in Support of the JJSAMHP/RF Initiative in Guilford County

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Sandhills Center is currently requesting proposals from non-profit providers in Guilford County with expertise in providing mental health and substance abuse treatment services to youth and their families. Agencies must currently be in the Sandhills Center provider network.

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The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to fund a minimum of one (1) Treatment Expediter position. The role of the position is to engage court-involved youth and their families with the goal of decreasing no-show rates and increasing successful completion of treatment, linking youth and their families to needed resources, and serving as a liaison with court counselors. This position will complement and work closely with the JCPC funded Single Assessor.

Position Qualifications: Experienced Qualified Professional, with ability to do cross systems work; knowledge of the MCO and the continuum of behavioral health service array. Individual should have strong, assertive engagement skills, good case management and motivational interviewing skills, and the ability to navigate the behavioral health system in Guilford County.

Contract: Through this RFP process, Sandhills Center will award one (1) federally funded block grant, expenditure based non-UCR contract, to the responsible provider whose proposal is determined to be acceptable and most responsive to the requirements of this RFP. Although cost is a major consideration, Sandhills Center may choose not to award a contract to the lowest bidder. Awarded contract will be contingent upon approval by Sandhills Center and upon the appropriation of sufficient funds for each fiscal year any contract is in effect. Anticipated funding is not to exceed $86,000, annually.

If you are interested in receiving a copy of this RFP, please contact the Provider Help Desk at providerhelpdesk@sandhillscenter.org or fax your request to the attention of the Provider Help Desk at 336-389-6533. Please include the following information on your request:

Request to be placed on mailing list for JJSAMHP/RF Treatment Expediter RFP

Name and address of Agency

Name of Contact Person

Phone and e-mail address of Contact Person

Only those parties submitting a written request will receive a copy of the RFP document and application. Written requests must be received by Friday, April 7, 2017.

Bidders’ Conference: Attendance at the Bidders’ Conference is not required. The purpose of the Bidders’ Conference is to answer questions potential applicants may have regarding completion of the proposal, services, time requirements, etc.

On Friday, April 7, 2017, 10 am, a Bidders’ Conference will be held at Sandhills Center, Room 201,

We suggest that you park at the “Preferred Parking” lot located at 422 W. Friendly Avenue. This parking lot is located to the west of our building and only has an entrance and exit on Friendly Ave. Parking is $5.00 a day at the kiosk. Or, another option is to park at the meters located near Friendly Ave. and Commerce Place, 1 block east of the Sandhills Center.

201 N. Eugene Street, Greensboro NC 27401.

Minutes will be taken at the Bidders’ Conference and will be mailed to all potential applicants, who have requested a copy of the RFP in writing from Sandhills Center.

Request for Proposal for B3 Respite Services for Children and Adolescents with a Mental Health and/or Substance Abuse Diagnosis

Publication Date: 03/24/2017

Sandhills Center currently is requesting proposals from for-profit and non-profit providers to offer respite services for children and adolescents whose Medicaid counties (as designated by the Department of Social Services) are within the Sandhills Center catchment area: Anson, Guilford, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, and Richmond.

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Entrance Criteria:

Children ages 3-21 who are not functionally eligible for the NC Innovations Waiver program but require continuous supervision due to a mental health (MH) (Axis I or II) diagnosis (CALOCUS level III or greater) or substance abuse (SA) Diagnosis (American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria of II.1 or greater).

Provider Organization Requirements:

Planned Respite services must be delivered by staff employed by a MH/IDD/SA provider organization that meets the provider qualification policies, procedures, and standards established by Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services and the requirements of 10A NCAC 27G.

If you are interested in receiving a copy of this RFP, please contact the Sandhills Center Provider Help Desk at providerhelpdesk@SandhillsCenter.orgor fax your request to the attention of the Provider Help Desk at 336-389-6533. Please include the following information on your request:

Request to be placed on the RFP mailing list for B-3 Respite for Children and Adolescents with a mental health and/or substance abuse diagnosis

Name of Agency

Name of Contact Person

Phone and e-mail address of Contact Person

Only those parties submitting a written request will receive a copy of the RFP document and application. Interest letters must be received by April 20, 2017.

2017 LME Systems Review - Block Grant and Clinical Tools

Publication Date:

The North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services (DMH/DD/SAS) will conduct its annual systems review of LME-MCO compliance with the special requirements of State and Federally-Funded programs between April 17 and June 9.

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The North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services (DMH/DD/SAS) will conduct its annual systems review of LME-MCO compliance with the special requirements of State and Federally-Funded programs between April 17 and June 9.

Notification Memo. The SFY2017 Review will include programs funded by the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SAPTBG), the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (CMHSBG), and the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG. The review will consist of program and clinical monitoring in specific areas.

2017 Community Needs Assessment Stakeholders' Survey

Publication Date:

The North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services (DMH/DD/SAS) will conduct its annual systems review of LME-MCO compliance with the special requirements of State and Federally-Funded programs between April 17 and June 9.

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There are two surveys — one for consumers, and one for providers and other stakeholders. Those who take a survey will have an opportunity to tell Sandhills Center what gaps in services may exist so that strategies can be developed to address them. Surveys can be taken online using personal computers, tablet devices or smartphones. Those who would like a paper survey may obtain one by contacting Ray Weathersby at RayW@SandhillsCenter.org, or by calling 1-800-256-2452.

Typically, the surveys take five minutes or less to complete. All respondents will remain anonymous. The deadline to respond is Jan. 31.

Following are links to each survey:

For consumers (individuals diagnosed with/treated for a mental health challenge, a substance use disorder, or an intellectual/developmental disability, and/or their family members) — please click here.

For other stakeholders (providers, healthcare workers, social service personnel, educators, community officials and the general public) — please click here.

Sandhills Center is committed to providing evidence-based, quality outcomes for individuals and families within the central North Carolina counties of Anson, Guilford, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph and Richmond.

The award was presented Dec. 8 by the conference host, the North Carolina Council of Community Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Programs (NC Council). In presenting the honor, the NC Council noted that Sandhills Center encourages collaborative relationships with community agencies, advocacy groups and individuals throughout its nine-county region. Sandhills Center is instrumental in the planning process for public awareness and advocacy initiatives.

The relationship between the National Alliance on Mental Illness Moore County (NAMI-MC) and Sandhills Center produced “The Sandhills Partnerships,” a community effort that derived from the partner organizations that support Crisis Intervention Team training (CIT) in Moore County, notably the Moore County Sheriff’s Office. CIT is well-known throughout the state for providing mental health awareness training for police officers and other first responders.

These distinct partnerships were formed under the collaborative’s umbrella:

The Sandhills Schools Partnership includes NAMI-MC, Sandhills Center, Moore County Schools (MCS) and FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital Behavioral Services to develop and implement a comprehensive program to train all school personnel about mental illness, bullying, and suicide awareness and prevention.

The Sandhills Special Events Partnership is made up of NAMI-MC, Sandhills Center, Moore County Schools, and FirstHealth of the Carolinas. This group focuses on public awareness and draws on expertise from a wide range of community supporters beyond the core group.

The Sandhills Public Safety Partnership consists of NAMI-MC, Sandhills Center, Moore County Public Safety and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Through this group, a two-day training program was developed to provide CIT-like training to public safety first responders, including telecommunications professionals, and emergency medical service (EMS) and fire department personnel.

Present to accept the award were: Victoria Whitt, CEO of Sandhills Center; Sheriff Neil Godfrey, Moore County; Linda Evans, Moore County Schools; Mary Silverman, FirstHealth; and George Reynolds, NAMI-MC. In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Whitt stressed that the partnership has reached far beyond what anyone could have done alone, and expressed her gratitude to the other partners.

The NC Council is the statewide association that represents LME-MCOs in North Carolina, providing a strong, cohesive, statewide voice through policy analysis, communications, technical assistance, conferences and training programs. The NC Council’s goal is to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to improve care and services system-wide.

Each year, the NC Council seeks to identify innovative and effective community programs that have been instrumental in serving persons with disabilities in North Carolina. Winners are selected by a committee which includes directors and board members of LME-MCOs. Other 2016 Programs of Excellence Award winners included:

Sandhills Center is currently requesting proposals from for-profit and non-profit providers in good standing with the LME-MCO and the Department of Health and Human Services, to implement a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) pilot program for consumers diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.

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The goal of the pilot program is to improve client outcomes, as demonstrated by improved Daily Living Activity scores (DLA20) and reduced use of crisis services. Services must be available in Guilford County.

The standard DBT package includes weekly individual therapy, weekly group therapy, 24 hour phone support focused on DBT skills, and peer support/case management. In addition, staff members will participate in weekly supervision conducted by an external clinician with extensive DBT experience.

SHC will focus on adult consumers (21 years or older) with Medicaid only (not Medicaid and Medicare or IPRS), with borderline personality disorder as the primary diagnosis.

If you are interested in receiving a copy of this RFP, please contact the Provider Help Desk at providerhelpdesk@sandhillscenter.org Please include the following information on your request:
• Request to be placed on RFP mailing list for DBT Pilot Program
• Name and address of Agency
• Name of Contact Person
• Phone and e-mail address of Contact Person

Only those parties submitting a written request will receive a copy of the RFP document and application. Written requests must be received by November 21, 2016.

Sandhills Center is pleased to announce that it has launched Access2Care, an evidence-based screening tool to help people who may suspect that they are experiencing behavioral health conditions.

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The Access2Care screening program is designed to provide access to anonymous, confidential, online self-screenings, educational resources and referral information in English and Spanish. The online resources are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Two of the main features of Access2Care include:

An independent website – SandhillsCenterAccess2Care.org. Those taking the screenings can access them directly from this website, or through links provided on the SandhillsCenter.org website. The screening website is convenient and fully accessible through personal computers, and mobile and tablet devices.

Community kiosks, which are Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant privacy booths. The kiosks provide a place for individuals to sit down, take a screening, or use the learning/resource modules, and offers telephone access to licensed clinicians in the Sandhills Center 24-hour Call Center.

Residents can participate in Access2Care screenings (for themselves or someone they know) for the following behavioral health conditions:

Depression

Adolescent Depression

Bipolar Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Eating Disorders

Alcohol Use Disorders

Substance Use Disorders, including prescription drugs.

The Access2Care website is available to all citizens living in the nine-county area. Sandhills Center is proud to partner with local organizations to offer privacy kiosks at these locations:

The screenings provide immediate feedback and access to important referral information. Results can be printed, or information can be sent via e-mail. A link to Sandhills Center’s directory of network providers is available for treatment and support resources. It takes about four minutes to complete a screening. For those who seek help, those few minutes can make a big difference in charting a path to recovery.

This announcement continues Sandhills Center’s commitment to reinvesting 1915 (b)/(c) Medicaid Waiver savings into community-based services. The new reimbursement rates will begin with services offered on and following July 1, 2016.

Community-Based Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs)
Community-based ICFs are a specialized residential option that provides care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and treatment over an extended period of time for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The service offers support for them to live in their communities, promotes attainment of the highest level of independent living, and provides care for physical and medical needs. ICF services are comprehensive and individualized. Reimbursement rates for Community-Based ICF services will increase by 5 percent. (ICF services provided through state-operated facilities have an alternative reimbursement arrangement and, therefore, are not subject to the announced rate increase).

Evaluation and Management Coding (E&M)
E&M codes allow psychiatrists, nonpsychiatric physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners the ability to effectively plan and monitor integrated treatment around clinical history, examination and medical decision making. It also allows people to receive treatment based on their specific history with an assessment and clinical care plan based on their specific needs. Providers also have opportunities to be reimbursed for the amount of time they spend counseling the person, and for the amount of time they spend coordinating care for them. Reimbursement for E&M Codes will increase by 7 percent.

Outpatient Services
Community Outpatient Services are available to provide individuals with thorough assessments and high-quality treatment by licensed practitioners. Reimbursements for Outpatient Services will increase by 7 percent.

Psychological Testing
Psychological testing can involve a range of assessments and tools that allow psychologists to measure a person’s full range of strengths and limitations. The testing process aids in diagnostic clarification, intelligence and adaptive functioning, and in assisting with the determination of appropriate clinical services to inform the individual’s treatment plan. Psychological Testing (96101) will increase by 25 percent.

B-3 Individual Respite
Individual Respite services provide support for families and caregivers. These services are flexible, and can be planned in advance or provided on short notice. Respite services can occurr in a variety of settings including the individual’s own home. B-3 Individual Respite for both adults and youth (H0045HAU4 and H0045HBU4) will increase to $5 per 15-minute unit.

Sandhills Center manages the 1915 (b)/(c) Medicaid Waiver and is committed to a close partnership with a network of community providers who serve members with the right service to meet their individual needs. Additional opportunities for service reimbursement rate increases will be sought and announced to the provider network when available.

Sandhills Center Launches Integrated Care Newsletter for Providers

Publication Date: 06/17/2016

Sandhills Center has published the first edition of “Integrated Care News,” a periodical specific to its provider network. It includes an overview of Integrated Care, as well as Sandhills Center's firm commitment to the coordination of physical and behavioral health.

It also includes the concept of “Integrated Care scripts,” which is a host of questions that Sandhills Center staff will use when interacting with providers.

The June issue of “Integrated Care News,” which is soon to be released, will focus on metabolic syndrome. Sandhills Center recognizes that this is a serious condition that affects the psychiatric population, thereby reducing quality of life, and increasing morbidity and mortality. The June newsletter content is provided by Dr. Khalil Tanas, Sandhills Center’s Associate Medical Director.

An estimated 1.7 billion people worldwide are affected by metabolic syndrome. It is defined a number of ways, but most experts agree that the four components of it are obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension. These are the most dangerous risk factors for heart attack, fatty liver disease and several kinds of cancer. It is largely believed that metabolic syndrome may be an adverse side effect of prescribed psychiatric medication. Another list of questions or “scripts” will be developed to correlate with the June newsletter content. These scripts will relate to this disease state and are intended to guide providers and members through a series of physical health questions that are derived from evidence-based practices. This has implications for overall health, as well as for future utilization of physical health services.

It is anticipated that “Integrated Care News” will be a regular monthly publication, distributed via e-mail and available on the SandhillsCenter.org website. Plans call for Integrated Care pages to be added to the website soon.

Sandhills Center Announces Network Leadership Council Member Vacancy

Publication Date: 05/27/2016

The Network Leadership Council (NLC) is currently soliciting applications for a Sandhills Center provider to serve on the Council.

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In order to maintain appropriate provider representation on the Council, the vacancy to be filled is for a representative from an agency that provides comprehensive behavioral services to Sandhills Center members . In order to be considered, the provider must:
• Have a current contract and be in good standing with Sandhills Center.
•Complete and submit an application (link is found below this article and here) no later than May 27, 2016.

The purpose of the Network Leadership Council is to:
•Ensure that provider perspective is represented in the Sandhills Center Health Network processes and operations, and to assist in building and maintaining a diverse provider network that meets the requirements of the state.
•Sandhills Center recognizes the importance of ensuring network provider input and participation in decision making in order to promote a collaborative environment between the LME-MCO and providers.

I/DD NC Innovations Waiver Service Provider Training Sessions Planned

Publication Date: 05/04/2016

Attention: I/DD NC Innovation Waiver Service Providers

Sandhills Center will provide training on the NC Innovations Waiver Technical Amendment Changes that will go in effect on July 01, 2016. For your convenience, two training sessions are scheduled. Please plan to attend one; no registration is necessary.

Sandhills Center Announces Service Rate Increases

Publication Date: 04/22/2016

Sandhills Center announced today that it is increasing reimbursement rates to providers of Behavioral Health Long-Term Residential Services, Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities, Community Support Team, Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Opioid Treatment. These rate increases are effective with dates of service on and after February 1, 2016.

“Sandhills Center values the quality residential treatment and community-service options offered to our members by our provider network and is glad to be able to offer these rate increases,” said Victoria Whitt, Chief Executive Officer of Sandhills Center. “These increases are only possible due to the collaborative effort of Sandhills Center, our provider network and community partners continually working to provide the right services to assist our members.”

Reimbursement rates for Behavioral Health Long-Term Residential Services – which include Residential Level I to IV — will increase by 5 percent. These services are available to children throughout the Sandhills Center region. When out-of-home placement becomes necessary, these services offer a home-like setting in combination with intensive behavioral-health treatment. Family involvement is a critical component to this type of treatment because the goal often is for children to experience seamless transitions back to living at home with their families.

Reimbursement rates for Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) services will increase by 5 percent. PRTF offers a higher level of residential care in a secure environment with 24-hour supervision. These services often are needed when an individual has a recent history of multiple hospitalizations, or when lower levels of residential treatment have proven unsuccessful. This type of care may begin with a comprehensive psychiatric assessment to determine the best clinical approach for the individual being served. As a result, many people are able to successfully transition to lower levels of care and return to their natural environment.

Community Support Team (CST) services offer a team-based approach to services for people with significant mental health or addiction needs. CST assists in connecting enrollees with appropriate providers to meet their identified needs, and offers intensive case management services, resource monitoring and follow-up. CST also helps with locating employment, housing or other essential support for long-term wellness. Reimbursement rates for Community Support Team services will increase by 15 percent.

Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) services are community-based programs designed to help people strengthen important daily living skills, and to pursue and obtain necessary social, vocational and educational goals. Reimbursement rates for PSR services will increase by 8 percent.

Opioid Treatment is an effective tool for some enrollees who have been identified with dependencies or addictions to opioids or other narcotics. This medication-assisted treatment provides tailored plans and works in combination with outpatient therapy. It has proven to be effective in treating opioid dependence. Reimbursement for Opioid Treatment services will increase by 13 percent.

Sandhills Center is committed to working collaboratively with community partners to continually improve access to and the availability of high-quality behavioral health services. We will continue to explore opportunities to make adjustments to services, reimbursement rates and service-delivery models to more effectively meet the needs of our enrollees, and will make additional service-rate increase announcements when available.

Sandhills Center, the organization responsible for public mental health, intellectual/developmental disability and substance abuse services in Anson, Guilford, Hoke, Harnett, Lee, Moore, Montgomery, Randolph and Richmond counties, announced today that it is increasing the reimbursement rate to providers of the medical service, Evaluation and Management (E/M) Coding by 13 percent. The new reimbursement rate for this billing process will increase on July 1, 2015.

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E & M codes allow psychiatrists, non psychiatric physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners the ability to effectively plan and monitor integrated treatment around clinical history, examination, and medical decision making. It allows individuals to receive treatment based on their individual history with an assessment and clinical care plan based on their individualized needs. It allows the provider the opportunity to be reimbursed for the care provided – both in the amount of time counseling the member and in the amount of time coordinating care for the member. This coordination of care is equally important as it supports the expectation that licensed clinicians and contracted providers work within an integrated physical and behavioral health framework that is accountable for achieving objective and sustained improvements in patients’ outcomes including various quality indicators of behavioral and physical health. By increasing the E&M code rates, Sandhills Center is supporting licensed clinicians and providers in this integration of care work and is continuing its commitment to ensuring members receive the highest quality, medically necessary care available by contracted providers with the expertise to meet the individual’s clinical need. The July 1, 2015 rate increase follows earlier rate increases for Outpatient services, Assertive Community Treatment Team services and Multi-Systemic Therapy that were effective October 1, 2014. “One of the benefits of Sandhills Center becoming a 1915 (b)/(c) waiver site for managing services was that we could reinvest savings back into our local communities. Today, we have the opportunity to do that. We are pleased to increase the E/M Coding rate to assist our provider network to offer high quality services to our members”, said Victoria Whitt, Chief Executive Officer for Sandhills Center.

Sandhills Center Announces Service Rate Increases

Publication Date: 06/22/2015

Sandhills Center, the organization responsible for public mental health, intellectual/developmental disability and substance abuse services in Anson, Guilford, Hoke, Harnett, Lee, Moore, Montgomery, Randolph and Richmond counties, announced today that it is increasing reimbursement rates for several community-based services. Reimbursement for community Outpatient services and for the evidence-based services of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team and Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) will increase on October 1, 2014. “One of the benefits of Sandhills Center becoming a 1915 (b)/(c) waiver site for managing services was that we could reinvest savings back into our local communities. Today, we have the opportunity to do that. We are pleased to
increase these rates to assist our provider network to offer high quality services to our members”, said Victoria Whitt, Chief Executive Officer for Sandhills Center.

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Outpatient Services Community Outpatient services are available throughout Sandhills Center’s 9 county service area to provide members with thorough assessments and high-quality treatment by licensed practitioners. The specific outpatient services listed on the attached spreadsheet will be increased by 10%, effective with dates of service on and after October 1, 2014, for all licensed providers. Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACT) The Assertive Community Teatment (ACT) Team service is an evidenced based model of community treatment for members with severe and persistent mental illness. ACT Teams employ a multi-disciplinary model of psychiatrists, nurses, social workers and employment specialists. ACT Services (H0040) will increase 15%, effective with dates of service on and after October 1, 2014, from $295.32 to $339.62 per billable event. Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) Multi-Systemic Therapy is a family-focused, community-based treatment option that focuses on the mulitple systems that impact the member’s life – families, homes, schools, neighborhoods and others, with a clinician on-call 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. MST Services (H2033) will increase by 20%, effective with dates of service on and after October 1, 2014, from $36.57 to $43.88 per 15 minute unit. “Sandhills Center is focused on serving our members with the highest quality, evidenced based services available and by the highest quality clinical staff available.”, said Anthony Carraway, MD, Sandhills Center’s Medical Director and Chief Clinical Officer. “By offering these rate increases, we hope to continue to strengthen our provider network to support our members.”